Report: National Meeting of Disabled Persons Organizations

 ‘Nothing about us without us’ was the slogan of consultation exercise facilitated by Handicap International on January 15-16, 2010 at hotel Crown Plaza Islamabad. Thirty representatives of leading organizations of disabled persons across the country participated in the moot while the process was observed by the decision makers from Sightsavers International, ASTAR Project of Japan International Cooperation Agency and mass media.

Government of Pakistan, development organizations and self-help organizations of persons with disabilities all over the country are contributing in the rehabilitation, empowerment and mainstreaming of disabled persons since early 80s but a dire need has always been felt to have a national podium with shared goal. With the prime objective of carving a common agenda the meeting was called.

With the introduction of organizations a warm up facilitation organized for DPOs representatives for better under standing working as network. Next day a brain storming session started how to strengthen National level mechanism of DPOs in Pakistan. After an extensive discussion all representatives agreed to launch a “Campaign for Implementation of National Plan of Action (GOP) 2010-2012” launched.  Five those targets selected from NPA were common among all.

1. Accessibility

2. Women with Disabilities

3. Political Rights and Inclusion

4. Inclusive Education

5. Accessible Information and Communication Technology (ICT)